The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1887-08-06
From Texas.
LAMpAsAs, Tex, July 25, 1887

LAMPAsAs, Tex, July 30, 1901
EDITOR FREE TRADER-Leaving Waco
few days since to while away the not
summer days among the mountains OF
western Texas, we find ourselves at this
cele brated watering place, Lampasas
Springs, which Is destined 10 become the
tSr atoga Of the southwest. Only lew
wears since, when the wild Commanche
kindled his last council fires, with his cruel
warhoop. sounding and re echoing the dark
deeds done within these lovely wales. Now,
instead, Ia heard the locomotives shrill
scream, bearing progress and civilization
on heronward march Her fertile valleys
are turned into thrifty farms, with careful
husbandmen to till the virgin soil. while
the mountain streams are made 10 give W
their wasted power on wheels OF manuiac-
ture; for II Is here the finest water power
known Is to be had, and that, too, at u nom
inal cost Lampasas has grown for the
past few years from u dull, sleepy village
of three hundred people to busy, busting
little city Of several thousand. The springs
contain sulphur, salt, iron, magnesia, and
most any thing else one might call for
Com modious hotels have been erected for
the accommodation OF the rich, Ms well Ms
the poor ana lis here the poor, the blind,
the MANNED aud the halt can come TO share
alike the virtues Of the water. Ard, un.
like DeSotas fountain Of youth, they will
not make the old young nor reverse ma
lures laws; but they do heal and have
done great good, making the invalid to re-
joice.
This portion of Texas Is better adapted
to stock raising than anything else, as the
rugged mountain sides furnish ample pas
turage for countless herds where the pillow.
share would hardly find foOthold and
the springs, which are abundant In many
parts, furnish lasting water. A great many
have turned their attention to sheep hus-
bandry, and today finds immense herds
where but few years since not one could
be seen. so the wool trade of western
Texas is working M important factor In
the states commerce. The valleys are rich,
producing well with good season. Land
is still cheap In this section, ranging from
two to four dollars per acre
The mineral interest of this section is of
great value, rs there has already been
proven to exist coal, iron and silver, which
only awaits the coming of capital to de-
velop the mines, Already one company
rom the East has bought immense tracts
of land in Burnett county, and will at no
distant time put In the necessary machin
cry for its development.
Prohibition Is the all.absorbing political
topic throughout the entire state. Never
before In her history have men been so en-.
Unused over an issue. Ii has arrayed neigh.
Dor against neighbor, man against man
The best talent in the land has been brought
to the front In this campaign, though the
campaign has been short. The 4th of Au-
gust being the time set to vote for or
against the amendment, more has been
said, and by far the largest crowds gathered
to hear, ever known In the history of Texas
Gov. Ross has offered large rewards for
the capture and conviction of train robbers,
so great has grown the crime. So with
vigilant set of officers added TO this as
stimulus, train robbery in Texas will soon
be thing of the past; and well it should
be- not only here but throughout our entire
land for ii certainly has been one among
the most daring and unmitigated crimes
ever perpetrated on free and law abiding
people.
Our railway building has been brought
to almost stand for the past year, but il
has taken fresh boom of late. The st. Louis
" Western will extend from Gatesville to
ST. Agelo. Arkansas Pass is pushing north.
ward to Waco, which will give her four
trunk lines, and many others too numerous
10 mention.
The foul murder of a young lady of Dial.
las by unknown parties has ere ,ted much
excitement there, and If they are caught
Judge Lynch will hold special term
LITTLE TEXAN.
Dc - So